The Church of St. Joseph

Youth Expo Committee

Position Description

Purpose

The Youth Expo Committee (YEC) is a committee of the Lifelong Faith Formation Commission (LFFC).  The role of the YEC is to identify, implement, and evaluate the religious faith formation needs of our High School parishioners.  The YEC will coordinate their activities with the LFFC toward the goal of achieving the key objectives outlined annually by the LFFC and the goals established by the Parish Council.

Responsibilities

1.   Establish Ministry Teams

·       Peer Leadership

·       Presenters

·       Mentors

·       Music

·       Prayer

2.   Develop training sessions for these teams as needed.

3.   Establish guidelines for the various ministry teams.

4.   Plan promotion materials and opportunities.

·       Presentation to Parishioners

·       Web

·       Bulletin

·       Pulpit Announcements

Qualifications

1.     A registered, participating member of the Church of St. Joseph, high school age or older.

2.     Commitment to understand and collaboratively facilitate achievement of the parish mission and goals for the common good of the parish.

3.     Ability and desire to participate in respectful dialogue that supports consensus decision-making.

4.     Ability to observe confidentiality when required.

Membership of the YEC

1.     Membership on the committee will be guided by an executive leadership sub-group (includes the LFFC representative to the YEC or the YEC representative to the LFFC, the YEC Chairperson, the YEC Vice Chairperson, and the YEC recorder) of the YEC.  This executive leadership group will be identified annually at the start of the fiscal year (in July) by consensus of active YEC members. 

2.     The YEC is a standing committee of the LFFC.  Although no formal term lengths are established, the committee is encouraged to recruit new members on an annual basis.

Time Commitment:

1.     Executive leadership will attend a monthly planning meeting as scheduled (1 hour preparation + 1.5 hour per meeting).

2.     General membership time commitment will depend on areas of interest within the committee and personal availability of time to commit to committee responsibilities.

3.     Participate on special ministry teams, as required.

Expectations of Committee Membership:

1.     Exercise confidentiality in sensitive areas, as communicated by leadership.

2.     Be respectful of others and their opinions, especially those in opposition of yours.

3.     Communicate in sync with the committee’s position and tone when interacting with our community.

4.     Participate in a manner that observes the meeting time relative to the agenda, and relative to the number of participants (all members encouraged to participate equally).

5.     Be objective!  No hidden agendas.  You are the voice of the parish.

The Church of St. Joseph

Confirmation Committee

Position Description

Purpose

The Confirmation Committee (CC) is a committee of the Lifelong Faith Formation Commission (LFFC).  The role of the CC is to oversee the implementation of, and maintain the process for preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The CC will coordinate their activities with the LFFC with the goal of achieving the key objectives outlined annually by the LFFC and the goals established by the Parish Council.

Responsibilities

1.   Develop an assessment tool that will be used to set up a candidates’ action plan.

2.   Develop a Portfolio

3.   Establish Ministry Teams

·       Interviewers

·       Presenters

·       Mentors

·       Service/Parish Ministry

·       Retreat

4.   Develop and execute training sessions for these teams as needed.

5.   Establish guidelines for the various ministry teams.

6.   Schedule preparation opportunities throughout the year.

·       Sponsor Discernment Event

·       Learning Centers

·       Workshops

·       Prayer Experiences

·       Mentor Groups?

7.   Plan promotion materials and opportunities.

·       Presentation to Parishioners

·       Web

·       Bulletin

·       Pulpit Announcements

Qualifications

1.     A registered, participating member of the Church of St. Joseph, post high school age or older.

2.     Commitment to understand and collaboratively facilitate achievement of the parish mission and goals for the common good of the parish.

3.     Ability and desire to participate in respectful dialogue that supports consensus decision-making.

4.     Ability to observe confidentiality when required.

Membership of the CC

1.     Membership on the committee will be guided by an executive leadership sub-group (includes the LFFC representative to the CC or the CC representative to the LFFC, the CC Chairperson, the CC Vice Chairperson, and the CC recorder) of the CC.  This executive leadership group will be identified annually at the start of the fiscal year (in July) by consensus of active CC members.  The CC will include, as a minimum, one member of the LFFC who will report on CC activities at the regular scheduled commission meetings.

2.     The CC is a standing committee of the LFFC.  Although no formal term lengths are established, the committee is encouraged to recruit new members on an annual basis.

Time Commitment:

1.     Executive leadership will attend a monthly planning meeting as scheduled (1 hour preparation + 1.5 hour per meeting).

2.     General membership time commitment will depend on areas of interest within the committee and personal availability of time to commit to committee responsibilities.

3.     Participate on special purpose sub-committees, as required.

Expectations of Committee Membership:

1.     Exercise confidentiality in sensitive areas, as communicated by leadership.

2.     Be respectful of others and their opinions, especially those in opposition of yours.

3.     Communicate in sync with the committee’s position and tone when interacting with our community.

4.     Participate in a manner that observes the meeting time relative to the agenda, and relative to the number of participants (all members encouraged to participate equally).

5.     Be objective!  No hidden agendas.  You are the voice of the parish.

The Church of St. Joseph

Marriage Life Committee

Position Description:

Purpose:

The Marriage Live Committee (MLC) is a committee of the Lifelong Faith Formation Commission (LFFC).  The role of the MLC is to address the religious faith educational needs of our married and soon to be married parishioners by identifying and reviewing programs that will help bring the gospel to our married couples.  The MLC will coordinate their activities with the LFFC with the goal of achieving the key objectives outlined annually by the LFFC and the goals established by the Parish Council.

Responsibilities:

1.     Provide input on the spiritual needs of our marriage couples.

2.     Coordinate the identification and evaluation of all parish education needs for our married couples.

·       Research and review programs for faith formation

·       Assist the Faith Formation Commission in selecting a program that will benefit our married couples

·       Oversee the implementation of any programs selected and evaluate the effectiveness of the programs.

3.     Committee members will meet frequently at first and then on a regular basis to maintain programs set in place.

Qualifications:

1.     A registered, married (or soon to be married) participating member of the Church of St. Joseph, age 18 or older.

2.     Commitment to understand and collaboratively facilitate achievement of the parish mission and goals for the common good of the parish.

3.     Ability to openly discuss your feelings on what makes a faith based loving partnership work with your spouse.

4.     Ability and desire to participate in respectful dialogue that supports consensus decision-making.

5.     Ability to observe confidentiality when required.

Membership of the MLC:

1.     Membership on the committee will be guided by an executive leadership sub-group of the MLC.  This executive leadership group will be identified annually at the start of the fiscal year (in July) by consensus of active MLC members.  The AEC will include, as a minimum, one member of the FFC who will report on MLC activities at the regular scheduled commission meetings.

2.     The AEC is a standing committee of the FFC.  Although no formal term lengths are established, the committee is encouraged to recruit new members on an annual basis.

Time Commitment:

1.     Executive leadership will attend a monthly planning meeting as scheduled (1 hour preparation + 1.5 hour per meeting).

2.     General membership time commitment will depend on areas of interest within the committee and personal availability of time to commit to committee responsibilities.

3.     Participate on special purpose sub-committees, as required.

Expectations of Committee Membership:

1.     Exercise confidentiality in sensitive areas, as communicated by leadership.

2.     Be respectful of others and their opinions, especially those in opposition of yours.

3.     Communicate in sync with the committee’s position and tone when interacting with our community.

4.     Participate in a manner that observes the meeting time relative to the agenda, and relative to the number of participants (all members encouraged to participate equally).

5.     Be objective!  No hidden agendas.  You are the voice of the parish.

The Church of St. Joseph

Special Needs Committee

Position Description

Purpose:

The Special Needs Committee (SNC) is a committee of the Lifelong Faith Formation Commission (LFFC). The role of the SNC is to address the religious faith educational needs of our special needs youth by identifying and reviewing programs that will help bring the gospel to our special needs youth. The SNC will coordinate their activities with the LFFC with the goal of achieving the key objectives outlined annually by the LFFC and the goals established by the Parish Council.

Responsibilities:

1.     Provide input on the needs of our special needs youth.

2.     Coordinate the identification and evaluation of all parish education needs for our special needs youth.

¡¤       Research and review programs for faith formation and sacramental preparation.

¡¤       Assist the LFFC in selecting a program that will benefit our youth.

¡¤       Oversee the implementation of any programs selected and evaluate the effectiveness of the programs.

3.     Committee members will meet frequently at first and then on a regular basis to maintain programs set in place.

Qualifications:

1.      A registered, participating member of the Church of St. Joseph, age 16 or older.

2.      Commitment to understand and collaboratively facilitate achievement of the parish mission and goals for the common good of the parish.

3.      Ability and desire to participate in respectful dialogue that supports consensus decision©making.

4.      Ability to observe confidentiality when required.

Membership of the SNC:

1.      Membership on the committee will be guided by an executive leadership sub©group of the SNC.  This executive leadership group will be identified annually at the start of the fiscal year (in July) by consensus of active SNC members. The SNC will include, as a minimum, one member of the LFFC who will report on SNC activities at the regular scheduled commission meetings.

2.      The SNC is a standing committee of the LFFC. Although no formal term lengths are established, the committee is encouraged to recruit new members on an annual basis.

Time Commitment:

1.      Executive leadership will attend a monthly planning meeting as scheduled (1 hour preparation +1.5 hour per meeting).

2.      General membership time commitment will depend on areas of interest within the committee and personal availability of time to commit to committee responsibilities.

3.      Participate on special purpose sub©committees, as required.

Expectations of Committee Membership:

1.      Exercise confidentiality in sensitive areas, as communicated by leadership.

2.      Be respectful of others and their opinions, especially those in opposition of yours.

3.      Communicate in sync with the committee¡¯s position and tone when interacting with our community.

4.      Participate in a manner that observes the meeting time relative to the agenda, and relative to the number of participants (all members encouraged to participate equally).

5.      Be objective! No hidden agendas. You are the voice of the parish.

Special Needs Class Schedule 12 13.pdf

Confirmation class schedule 12 13.pdf

Elementary Class Schedule Group 1 12 13.pdf

Elementary Class Schedule Group 2 12 13.pdf

Middle School Class Schedule 12 13.pdf

Sacramental Prep Schedule 12 13.pdf

Lifelong Faith Formation Minutes

Dec. 6^th, 2012

In attendance: Esther Jaeger, Anne McNeill, Dale Wandersee, Meg Forgette and Martha Rietveld

Prayer was led by: Meg Forgette

Status of minutes from previous meeting: Approved

Ground Rules: Approved and ready to post.

1. Parish Self Assessment

Discussion:

The members present reviewed the self assessment form our commission needs to fill out.

Decision:

Martha Rietveld agreed to fill out the form for our commission.

2. Rediscover

Discussion:

 The members present were given the book Rediscover: Catholicism and were asked to look over it.  This book was handed out to the entire dioceses.  A faith speaker series on this topic is scheduled for Feb.5^th, Feb. 19^th, March 5^th and March 12^th, 2013 at St. John Neumann in Eagan.

Decisions:

It was decided that no other bible studies activities will be scheduled on those days.

3.  Adult Education Committee-Dale Wandersee

Discussion:

As a group we reviewed the results of AEC survey.  The survey results were very positive.  Dale informed us of all the ideas the AEC is planning for future sessions.  AEC wants to have a video series to offer the adults during the break between masses on Sunday mornings.

Decisions: 

The members present agreed that the proposed video session would not work at this time.

4.  Special Needs Committee- Meg Forgette

Discussion:

The SNC has not met since the last time due to election night.  The classes are going well.  They have 6 students with one possible new member.

Decisions:

5.  Lighthouse Catholic Media CDs

Discussion:

Erin Fletcher wants St. Joseph Parish to offer  these CDs to our parishioners.

Decisions:

Dale agreed to get more information.  We also thought it might be wise to hold off on any decisions until we have a vision for the future.

Future Agenda Topics:

Confirmation

Website

Marriage Life

Next Meeting: Tuesday Dec. 11th, 2012

Minutes submitted by:  Anne McNeill

Lifelong Faith Formation Minutes

Dec. 11^th, 2012

In attendance: Esther Jaeger, Anne McNeill, Dale Wandersee, Meg Forgette and Martha Rietveld

Prayer was led by: Meg Forgette

Status of minutes from previous meeting: Approved

1. Confirmation

Discussion:

The members present read their lists of:  What is important for a confirmation student to know prior to making their confirmation?  The lists where compiled.  Martha brought up the idea of having the confirmation students keep a portfolio of their confirmation work. Portfolio tabs generated at the meeting were as follows:

 Journal

Prayer

Service

Ministry

Support

Retreat

Knowledge

Leadership

Decision:

The group agreed on the portfolio idea.  Each of us would review the list of tabs for the portfolio over the next few weeks and bring new tab ideas to the next meeting.

Future Agenda Topics:

Confirmation

Lighthouse CD’s

Adult Education

Special Needs

Marriage Life

Next Meeting: Thursday Jan 3^rd, 2013

Minutes submitted by:  Anne McNeill

Lifelong Faith Formation Minutes

Nov. 1^st, 2012

In attendance: Esther Jaeger, Anne McNeill, Dale Wandersee, Meg Forgette, Renae Gusaas, and Martha Rietveld

Prayer was led by: Martha Rieveld

Status of minutes from previous meeting: Approved

1. Discussed  two meetings a month

Discussion:

The member present agreed that meeting twice a month would be beneficial.

Decision:

The group will meet again on Tues Nov. 13^th from 6:30-7:30.

2. Review Marriage Life Committee Position Descriptions

Discussion:

 The members present reviewed the rough drafts for the Marriage Life Committee position descriptions. A few adjustments were discussed and noted.

Decisions:

Renae will finalize the job descriptions, post them and put them in the bulletin

3.  Discuss current Confirmation Program

Discussion:

The group discussed the current Confirmation program and decided it would be beneficial to look at different programs.  It was also discussed about giving the confirmation students a variety of choices to choose from when preparing for this sacrament.

 Decisions: 

The members present agreed to look over confirmation ideas and be ready to discuss them at our Nov. 13^th meeting.

4.  Rediscover-Adult Education

Discussion:

It was brought to our attention that a program called Rediscover Catholicism is available to us.  We looked at the handouts and reviewed the information.

Decisions:

 It was decided that St. Joseph could promote the meetings at St. John Neumann and avoid having Bible Study group  meetings on these Tuesdays. 

5.  Adult Education Committee

Discussion:

The Adult Ed committee came up with idea of having a Parish Mission.  A bible study survey was also brought up.

Decisions:

We thought a Parish Mission was too much of an undertaking at this time maybe Lenten evenings of reflection for now and do a Parish Mission in 2014.

Future Agenda Topics:

Confirmation/J- Walking

Website

Marriage Life

Next Meeting: Tuesday Nov. 13^th, 2012

Minutes submitted by:  Anne McNeill

Lifelong Faith Formation Minutes

Nov. 13^sth, 2012

In attendance:  Anne McNeill, Dale Wandersee, Meg Forgette, Renae Gusaas, and Martha Rietveld

This extra meeting was scheduled to discuss Confirmation.  As a group we decided that our current program needs changing.  We discussed many different ideas including; J- Walking, retreats, traditional classes, etc.  We also discussed changing the day and time of confirmation to Sunday evening to coincide with Sunday evening mass.  We all agreed that Confirmation students would benefit from these changes and become more active participates in our parish.  We decided this is a topic we need to discuss further with input from Esther.

April Meeting Minutes

In attendance: Esther Jaeger, Lori Hannasch, Anne McNeill, Dale Wandersee and Martha Rietveld,

Prayer was led by: Dale Wandersee

Status of minutes from previous meeting: Approved

1. Parish Council Report

Discussion:

Lori Hannash, our parish council member, gave a quick update on the parish council meeting.

Decisions:

It was decided that since Parish Council has its own minutes we can refer to, none will be taken.

2. Review and Finalize Faith Formation/Adult Enrichment Title

Discussion:

The member’s present brainstormed and then reviewed new titles.

Decisions:

Catechetical Commission would be the new name.

3. Faith Formation Commission Structure

Discussion:

Esther handed out a Ministry Listing by Commission Worksheet.  It was reviewed.

Decisions:

Marriage Life was added under Adult Formation.

4. Special Needs Committee and Report

Discussion:

Lori Hannash reported that the Special Needs Committee had their first meeting on April 10^th.  During that meeting the decided on: the name (Special Needs Committee), being ready to start classes in the fall , having grades 1-5 in one room, calling neighboring church for curriculum ideas.

Decisions:

None to be made.

5. Pastoral Care Safety Guidelines Status Report

Discussion:

The committee is designed to protect children and vulnerable adults.  Many safety items are already in place: Virtues Training, Code of Conduct, Background Check and Credit Check.  Confidentiality is an upmost priority.  The committee’s next meeting is April 19^th and will finish by May.  Once it is complete, all St. Joseph’s members must abide by it, no exceptions. 

Decisions:

None to be made.

6.  Adult Education Committee Meeting Report

Discussion:

Dale Wandersee gave a report on all the different sessions that will be offered in the coming months.

Decisions:

None to be made.

Future Agenda Topics:

National Directory for Catechesis (Parts I, II and IV)

Pastoral Care Safety Committee Report

Special Needs Committee Report

Marriage Life Faith Formation Committee Description Report

Adult Faith Committee Report

Update on St. Joe’s Website

Preliminary Budget Report

Faith Formation Discernment (Potential Candidates)

Next Meeting: Thursday May 3rd, 2012 with prayer lead by Anne McNeill

Minutes submitted by: Anne McNeill

Lifelong Faith Formation Commission Ground Rules

Revised 12/4/12

·   Keep It Positive!

·   Attendance- If a member is unable to attend a meeting; they should notify all members of the group via e-mail.  After the meeting, a committee member will contact the absent member to catch them up.  This contact can be in person, phone or e-mail.

·   Participation-The team acknowledges that each member brings a diverse array of gifts and experiences important to the expected outcome of the team accountabilities.  Therefore, each team member is allowed and will be expected to contribute to the discussions.  Active listening skills and the freedom to speak honestly are critical to effective team member participation.  All distracting items such as IPods, headphones, laptops, computers, I Pads, etc should be put away prior to the start of the meeting.  Devices used for meeting related purposes are allowed.  Cell phones should be turned off or placed on vibrate during the meeting.  If you must take a call during a meeting please step into the hallway as to not disturb the meeting.

·   Method of Decision Making-We will be using the Consensus Decision Making Flowchart (found in the Parish Leadership Handbook).

·   Confidentiality-Ideas should not be shared until a final consensus has been made within the group.  Note-Confidentiality can be confused with anonymous.  Anonymous discussions allow information to be shared without attribution to specific people.

·   Preparation-All team members should be prepared. Team members need to be active and informed during the meeting.  The Secretary will distribute the meeting minutes via e-mail to the group one week after the meeting.  The chairperson will distribute the upcoming meeting’s agendas to the group one week prior to the next meeting. The agenda should clearly identify topics for discussion and any preparation required.  It is the member’s responsibility to contact the Chairperson with items that should be added to the agenda.

·   Accountability-All team members will hold each other accountable to participate in a manner consistent with approved ground rules and with a level of contribution that positively contributes to the expected outcomes of the team.

·   Conflict Resolution-no team is free from conflict and is should be recognized and resolved in a timely manner.  Recognition means the individuals involved or other team members publicly note that a conflict is occurring that is negatively affecting team performance.  The resolution strategy is a 3-tiered process:

    1.  The involved parties try to reach resolution on their own initiative.                                                              

     2.  Another team member or staff member acts as a facilitator between those in conflict. 

     3.  An outside professional is hired to facilitate conflict resolution.

     Unresolved conflict can destroy a team.  It is imperative that this ground rule be fully understood, accepted, and practiced as required.

·   Modification-As the team gains experience, existing ground rules can be modified and new ground rules added that will guide effective team process and contribute to achieve expected team outcomes.